Tears. There are sad tears at first, a horrible hurt. A pain that you want to end, yet are almost afraid it will end. For fear that when it does, your live for them and your memories may somehow diminish. Time passes and the pain lessens, yet doesn't end. And as the years pass, something will trigger the tears again. Perhaps, a holiday, a song, a photo, a memory or an empty chair at Thanksgiving. And sometimes, you are unsure of what brought on your tears...unsure of the reason the pain feels just as fresh. These moments become blessings. You realize that you will never forget what they meant to you, what made them laugh, or the sound of their voice. They are gone, but not forgotten. For as long as you live, they live in your heart. My father was the first parent I buried. Knowing that the pain would lessen, and yet, be made fresh all over again, gave me "permission" to heal when I buried my mother and younger brother. I still cry "sad" tears for them, yet, often they are mixed with "happy" tears. For I know now, that the love that we shared will never die! ❤